Course Outline
LAW440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
Course Coordinator:Dale Mitchell (dmitchell@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society
2024Semester 1
UniSC Sunshine Coast |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
What is this course about?
Description
This is the first of two linked courses required to graduate with honours in Law. In this course you will further prepare and develop your knowledge and capability in research skills, methods and ethics. Specifically, in consultation with your academic supervisor, you will formulate and clarify a research topic including research planning, generating research questions, ethical considerations, search techniques and methodology. The aim of which is to prepare you for the writing and submission of your Law Honours Thesis in semester two (LAW441).
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Workshops – 2 hours in weeks 1-3 | 2hrs | Week 1 | 3 times |
| Independent Study/Research – Students continue independent study on their Honours Thesis, meeting with their supervisory team as required throughout the semester. | 2hrs | Week 2 | 10 times |
Course Topics
This course provides an introduction to the Honours program and equips students with skills and techniques to tackle the development and delivery of a research project. This includes tips surrounding the development of research proposals and plans – particularly highlighting the importance of research questions and methodologies – as well as managing the student-supervisor relationship. This course intends to foster connections between Honours students, and provide some tools for success.
What level is this course?
400 Level (Graduate)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | |
| 1 | Design a research project and develop a management plan | Engaged |
| 2 | Assess the ethical obligations of researchers. | Ethical |
| 3 | Identify and apply appropriate research methods to address complex legal research issues | Empowered |
| 4 | Demonstrate advanced learning and understanding in an area of law. | Knowledgeable |
| 5 | Critically review, analyse and synthesise knowledge. | Creative and critical thinker |
| 6 | Exercise critical thinking and judgment to generate appropriate responses to complex legal issues. | Creative and critical thinker |
| 7 | Work independently and make use of feedback to support your professional and/or academic development | Empowered |
| 8 | Communicate effectively in writing and orally to a professional and/or academic audience | Empowered |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
Enrolled in Law Honours Program with 8 courses to complete and permission required for enrolment. Students will normally have a GPA of 5.75 in LAW-coded courses but can apply if they have a GPA of at least 5.5. If students have a GPA of between 5.5 and 5.74, they must apply to the Law Honours Coordinator for entry to the honours program. Students will need to attach a statement of up to 250 words to their application, outlining their ability to successfully complete an honours research project, based upon demonstrated ability in academic writing (or other evidence of high-level research and writing). The Law Honours Coordinator, in consultation with the Head of School, will also consider the capacity of academic staff to supervise the project. Please contact the Course Coordinator
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Not applicable
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Limited Grading (PNP)
Details of early feedback on progress
Students receive ongoing early feedback from assigned supervisors, with the usual expectation of weekly or bi-weekly meetings for this purpose. Additionally, students are able to receive feedback early on their research plans and progress when they attend the 2-hour seminars on research and research methods in the first three weeks of semester.
Assessment tasks
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1 | Plan | Individual | 1500 words |
Week 4 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 2 | Written Piece | Individual | 3500-4000 words |
Week 11 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 3 | Oral | Individual | 15 minutes |
Week 13 | In Class |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Research Plan | |
| Goal: | The goal of the Research Plan is to enable you to develop project planning skills that will lead to timely completion of your Honours Thesis in second semester. The Research Plan will plot the aims, methods and milestones of the Honours research paper, presentation and thesis. The Research Plan will include: (i) an overview of current knowledge of the topic and a statement/s about the research questions and aims of the research; (ii) details about the research methodology and, if applicable, ethics consideration and approval; and (iii) realistic milestones indicating content, activities and research to be undertaken in preparation for Assessment Task 2 and 3, as well as LAW441 Honours Thesis. The Research Plan is a dynamic document that you will review and revise with your supervisors throughout your Honours project. |
| Product: | Plan |
| Format: | This is an individual assignment, no more than 1500 words. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 2:Research Paper | |
| Goal: | The goal of the Research Paper is to present clear and coherent knowledge of an area of law. More specifically, you are expected to present a reasoned and substantiated argument that critically analyses and consolidates legal knowledge and ideas. In doing so you will exhibit the significance and originality of content and argument of your Honours Thesis. |
| Product: | Written Piece |
| Format: | This is an individual assignment, in total no more than 4,000 words. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 3:Research Presentation (oral) | |
| Goal: | The Research Presentation is how the School assesses your progress and determines whether the research project, as set out in the presentation and Research Paper (Task 2), is clearly defined, coherent and feasible. You will be assessed on your demonstration of a broad understanding of a specific area or law and context, as well as the design and use of research method/s. The Research Presentation will also enable the School and you to assess whether the project is suitably designed for successful completion in LAW441: Law Honours Thesis. |
| Product: | Oral |
| Format: | 15-minute presentation to your Honours student peers and supervisors, based on Assessment Task 2. The presentation will clearly articulate the research question/s and aim/s. You will concisely and clearly describe the research methodology and analysis, and detail the work already completed, and how this will be developed in LAW441. |
| Criteria: |
|
Directed study hours
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
Specific requirements
Not applicable
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the USC. In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.
SafeUniSC
UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
Study help
For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
AccessAbility Services
Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
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In person:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
- UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
- UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
- UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
- Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
- Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au